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4* 







PR 4759 
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1906 
Copy 1 




NIC EPHORUS 



A TRAGEDY OF NEW ROME 



6y 



FREDERIC HARRISON, Litt. D. 



COPYRIGHT 1906 BUFFALO, N. Y. 



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NIC EPHORUS 



A TRAGEDY OF NEW ROME 



by 
FREDERIC HARRISON, Litt. D. 



COPYRIGHT 1906 BUFFALO, N. Y 



LIBRARY of CONGRESS 
Two Copies Received 

MAh 30 1906 

■^Copyright Entry 
CLASS f^ 'xxc. No 
" COPY fff 



DRAMATIS PERSONAE. 

CoNSTANTiNE VII, PoTphyrogenitus, Emperor, a.d. 913-959. 
RoMANUS, his son, Prince Imperial, afterwards Emperor, a.d. 

959-963- 

NiCEPi-iORUs Phocas, Marshall of the East — afterwards Em- 
peror, A.D. 963-969. 

Basil Digenes, Warden of the Eastern Marches, son of a con- 
verted Emir, descended from the Prophet, by an Armenian 
Princess. 

PoLYEUCTUS, Patriarch of Constantinople. 

y\BBOT, Head of the Monastery of Stoudion. 

Athanasius, a Hermit. 

Bringas, Eunuch, Grand Chamberlain, and President of the 
Council. 

John Zimisces, General of the Army, afterwards Emperor. 

BouRTZES, General of the Army which captured Antioch. 

SisiNUios, Chief of the Seriate. 

Theophylact, Chief Secretary, afterwards Grand Chamber- 
lain . 

NiCETAS, Secretary to Emperor Nicephorus Phocas. 

.4aron-Ben-Ammo'n, an Astrologer. 

Eros, a Boy lyrist, zvith a song. 



Empress, Aged wife of Constantine VH. 
Princess Agatha, Her daughter, in love zvith Basil Digenes. 
Princess Zoe, second daughter, betrothed to John Zimisces. 
Theophano, formerly Anastaso, a Greek from Sparta, married 

to Prince Romanus, afterzvards wife of Nicephorus 

Phocas, Empress a.d. 959-969. 



Courtiers, Lord and Ladies in waiting, guards, acolytes, monks, 
choristers, messengers, Nubian mutes, etc. 
Scene : The Sacred Palace of Constantinople. 



Time: Tenth Century, a.d. 959-969. 



NICEPHORUS 

ACT. I. 

Scene I : An open Court, on a terrace, in the Palace of Con- 
stantinople in the tenth century. Double doors right and 
left. At sentry Varangian axe-hearers in gilt corslets and 
greaves. Round door at right are grouped lords in waiting, 
silentiaries or ushers, etc. Round door at left are ladies in 
waiting, eunuchs, attendants. The lords and ladies con- 
9 verse, play light games, iiirt, and make merry. A hoy in 
fanciful Greek attire with a lyre sings a snatch from 
Anacreon. 

Song. 

/ thought of Atreus' sons to sing, 

I thought to hymn the Theban king — 

But now my fingers only move 

My lyre to sound soft songs — of love! 

I changed the strings, to make my lay 
The feats of Here les, as men say. 
But all my efforts fruitless prove 
To sing of anything — but Love! 

[The lords and ladies applaud. Girls kiss the 
hoy. He drazvs to the hack. 

.Enter, right, Lord Sisinnios, Chief of the Senate. Enter, left. 
Lord Theophylact, Chief Secretary to Grand Chamber- 
lain. They salute with elaborate courtesies. 

Sis. 

HAIL, Lord Theophylact! How fares his Grace? 
The op. Illustrious Senator ! Our gracious Sovereign, 
Born-i'-the-Purple, draws to his end, we fear, 
In the Porphyry Chamber — where his life began ! 

Sis. And his gay and gallant heir, the Prince Romanus ? 

[Theophylact draws the senator aside. 
Theoph. Gallant and gay ! — still cares for naught on earth 
Save sport and revels — 

Sis. [Aside to Theophylact,] Ah! all this bodes ilU 
Theoph. Hush! hush! my Lord — the days seem darkening 
round us, 
Jjig with the fate of this Imperial House ! 



Sis. Will not our beauteous Princess win her Lord 
Back to the Court, whilst perils gird the realm, 
And life ebbs from his venerable sire? 

Theoph. [Aloud to the courtiers.] Our Princess is all beauty, 
joy, and love — 
Athene, Juno, Venus — joined in one 
Imperial majesty — outshines all queens! 
This Golden Palace never saw such glories ! 
A Paris — an Adonis — would be welcomed — 
Perhaps a Hercules ! Gray-bearded Mentors 
Would find no place. [ With, sarcasm. 

Eh ! ladies, speak I truth ? 
[The ladies Imtgh merrily and salute the Senator with 
mock courtesies. Sisinnios raises his hand m 
despair and exit. Ladies call for "Eros"/ Boy 
comes forzvai'd again. 



Song by boy Eros. 

So, all you heroes, now farewell! 
Whose deeds of war the poets tell! 
Heroic deeds Hi not my lute — 
To all but love my voice is mute! — 
'Tis love that cheers the Gods above — 
And I can sing of naught — but Love! 

[Lords and ladies applaud. 



Bugle sounds ivithout. Guards present arms as enter Basil 
DiGENES, Lord Warden of the Eastern Marches, in splen- 
did uniform. 

Basil. Lord Privy Seal, I bring you courtly greetings 
From the illustrious Marshal of the East, 
My chief ! — I have matter for your private ear ! 

[Theophylact signals to all present to withdraw. 
The two retire to an alcove, from time to time 
seated. 
Theoph. Lord Warden, speak! I wait the Marshal's bid- 
ding. 
The times bode ill ! The royal sands run low. 

Basil. We on the Asian frontier live in the saddle, 
In ceaseless battle with the Moslem hordes. 
I doubt if in the Capital you men 
Of peace and policy know all the needs 
Which compass us : — arms, stores, new mounts,^ good men i 
'Fore all — a heaven-born general at the front! 

Theoph. Lord Warden 1 — we have you ! [ Unctuously. 

Basil. A truce to jests! 



A soldier has poor skill in the arts of Court. '■ 

I am sent to warn you — how this realm 's beset 

On East and West — on North and South. The hour 

Has come to brace the manhood of the Empire 

In a last death grapple with the Infidel! 

As Old Rome fell beneath the Goths and Vandals 

New Rome may fall before the Hagarenes ! 

Theoph. Our Prince Imperial is all youth and valour. 

Basil. Valour at Polo — or to chase the boar — 
Youth gay enough — to fascinate Court beauties ! 
Rome needs a man — a soldier — aye !— a hero I 

Theoph. Your hero is? 

Basil. The Marshal of the East, 

Nij;ephorus, of the ancient race of Phocas ! 

Theoph. [Gaily.] Treason! Lord Warden, I scent treason 
here 
'Gainst Rome's young heir — the valiant Prince Romanus 
And his superb Phincess Theophano ! 

Basil. May your superb Princess not ruin all — 
Husband and Father — Dynasty and Realm ! 

Theoph. She queens it over all — as brave as beautiful — 
As politic as she is brave! — No minister 
Her match in statecraft — no man, young or old, 
But melts before her glances and her smiles! 

Basil. Ho ! ho ! I knew her too in those old days — 
The lovely tavern wench across the lake — 
W^ho saved our Prince's life — bound up the gash 
Cut by the board's tusk! Oh! — Anastaso, 
The old Greek's daughter — born (said he) at Sparta — 
Sprung from Lycurgus ! — had a face and form 
Such as the Gods above (in Homer's lay) 
Fashioned to make a king's son mad with love — 
To muster fleets and armies — ruin realms ! 
Would she had mated some Bithynian yeoman 
And bred stout troopers for my frontier guard ! 

Theoph. [In alarm.] By all the Saints, my Lord, forbear such 
words ! — 
Such awful heresies — in this Sacred Palace ! 

Basil. [Abruptly.] Tush! I am a soldier — the old Emir's 
son — 
I read no riddles — play no courtly game. 
My business is to crave his Majesty 
Would grant full hearing to my Chief, the Marshal. 
Obtain this audience — seek the Chamberlain ! 

Theoph. I haste to meet the mighty Marshal's wish ! 
We are all ears — to hear your terrible hero ! 
[Satirically.] Remind him how the Graces rule it here! 
This Sublime Court is no rude trooper's camp ! , 



Curtain. 



Scene II : The Throne-room of the Sacred Palace. Emperor 
CoNSTANTiNE VII (hom-in-the-Purple) , old, iniirm, ner- 
vously prostrated, is home in in a carrying-chair, and as- 
sisted to a lozv couch below the Throne. He is attended 
by Chamberlains, Gold Stick, Ushers, attendants, etc. A 
Chamberlain enters with ceremonious reverence. 

Chamberlain. 

HIS HOLINESS the Patriarch, and Council, 
Crave urgent audience of your Majesty! 

[The Emperor feebly nods his consent. His suite 
group themselves round him for a state audience. 

The Patriarch, Bringas and Council enter. 

Patriarch. Great King ! we servants of the King of kings 
Bring to thy throne our sorrows and our fears. 
This ancient Empire is become the toy 
Of lewd and frivolous men. The wealth that erst 
Fed hosts built ships, beat back the H^agarene, 
Is squandered now in riot, waste, and vice. 
Thy heir, who soon will stand above all law, 
Master of all — not master of himself — 
Nor master of his spouse — is ever chief 
Commander of the revels — fills the city 
With most unholy orgies, mummers, lusts, — 
And tempts God's vengeance. 

Emperor. How could I curb 

My son, my heir, Born-in-the- Purple ? Bid him 
Part from the bride I gave him? — 

Patriarch. Fatal gift! 

She is the evil spirit of thy house — 
Destined to run thee and thine, O King — 
Destined to ruin Rome. Put her away ! 

[Patriarch signals to his acolytes, who bear his 
crucifix before him as he points to the ikon of 
Christ and withdraws. 

Emperor. [In tears and confusion.] How have I merited this 
doom! 
Lord Bringas, what dost counsel to thy King? 

Bringas, Grand Chamberlain. 'Tis not for us, lay servants 
of your Grace, 
To charge with sins the hopeful heir of Rome. 
Much less could we presume to taint with breath 
Of rude insinuation the great name 
Of her whose regal beauty gilds anew 
This Golden Palace. Sire, our watchful care 
Broods o'er the State. Its perils and its needs 
Lie far abroad — not here. Our frontier lands 
Are torn and wasted by a swarm of foes. 



Emperor. How crush them? Have not armies, leaders, 
fleets, 
Gone forth in vain? What yet remains to arm? 
What have we more? 

Bringas. We have a matchless Chief, 

The heroic Phocas — Marshal of the East. 

Emperor. Have we not all these years 

Heaped on the Marshal honours, riches, lands? 
What can we give him more? 

Bringas. Give ample powers 

To raise new armies, to exact supplies, 
To summon men and tribute for his needs, 
With sovereign rights in Asia — 

Emperor. Are all agreed? 

Can we with prudence delegate such powers ? 

[The Councillors signify their assent. 
We see no other hope. We yield. So be it! 
Summon the Chief! This day shall see him girt 
With the best half of our Imperial robe. 
Pray God it tempt him not to seize the whole. 

Bringas. The Marshal, Sire, hath come to us in council- 
Craves solemn audience of your Grace, and waits. 
With his lieutenant, leave to approac'hi the throne. 

Emperor. Escort him to our presence, and in his honour 
Summon her Majesty to grace our Court 
With all our daughters. 

[Procession of Chamberlains, lords and ladies of hon- 
our, who ceremoniously introduce the Empress 
and her daughters. 

Empress. O my dear Lord, have not the cares of state 
O'erburdened thy too wearied frame ? Forbear 
To tax thy anxious soul with more, withdraw 
To rest, and let our Agatha refresh 
Thy spirit with her voice and song. 

Agatha. My dearest father, hear our prayers, and leave 
State troubles to the wisdom of these lords. 

Emperor. A Caesar knows not rest. These fifty years 
Have I borne all the Purple Mantle covers 
[Faintly] Of toil — and I will bear it — to the end. 



Enter Princess Theophano with more brilliant costume and 
larger suite than the Empress. 
Theophano. Spoken like Caesar's self ! He who is robed 

In Purple must endure the Purple life. 

Emperor. 'Twere better had your husband come with you ! 

Theo. The Prince Romanus, disinherited 
From cares of state, debarred all part in war, 
Seeks a man's pleasures, and now roams the woods 



A votary of War's school — chasing big game. 

Emperor. Peace, daughter — Ladies, see! — The Marshal 
comes. 



Enter Nicephorus Phocas in splendid armour^ accompanied 
by Basil Digenes and his staff. They prostrate themselves 
before the Emperor. 

Nicephorus. The army of the East through me salutes 
The Majesty of Rome! I come to warn 
Our Sovereign Lord in what dire peril stand 
Our Orient Themes. The fierce insatiate hosts 
Who worship the False prophet hem us round 
For ever closer, thirsting for the blood 
Of Christ's own people, hungering for the spoil 
Of this thy realm. Call forth new levies, arm 
The whole Armenian race. Pour treasure forth 
With an ungrudging hand. The Archangel holds 
This day the balance on a razor edge 
Charged with the fate of Rome and of Christ's Church. 

Emperor. Most valiant Marshal, we approve your suit, 
Naming you, East of Rome, our second self. 
Its autocrat in all but style. But mark ! 
Thy head must answer for thy loyal faith, 
To us and to our son — 

Niceph. [Proudly.] My heart doth answer. 
My head, my life, was ever yours, my Liege. 
Was ever son of Phocas false to son 
Of royal Basil, founder of thy house? 

Emperor. Valiant Nicephorus, our sires oft trusted 
Th' approved fealty of tliy loyal race. 
Is there no hope for Peace ? 

Niceph. {Breaking in fiercely.] For peace with Hell? 

{The Marshal steps forward and bursts into a 
rhapsody.] 
A voice from heaven fills my prophetic soull 
I see the Cross uplifted in the sky. 
Marching in front of our victorious spears ; 
I see these Bedouins forced back panic-struck 
To the devil-haunted sands wherein they lurk. 
My liege, this is my forecast — 

Emperor. {Roused to enthusiasm. In God's name, — "Go 
forth with this and Conquer," 

Theo. {Infervening before the Queen,] Glorious Chief! 
On earth a gracious Princess blesses thee ! 
Aglow with admiration, trust, and hope, — 
Mother of Caesars yet to be — she promises 
A boundless welcome in thy day of triumph ? 
March forth to conquer all our foes abroad. 



Then come to conquer all our hearts at home! 

[Theophano smiles and directs her blandishments at 
NiCEPHORUS. He is visibly surprised, and at 
length confused. 
Niceph. [To the Emperor.] Most August Autocrat of Rome, 
I go 
Td do thy charge, to work the work of Christ. 



Scene /// : The Sacred Bed-chamber of the Emperor. He is 
'borne in by the Cubiculars and laid on a couch. The Em- 
press and her four daughters surround him. Physicians 
and domestics of the Chamber wait in attendance. 



Emperor (faintly.) 

CONSORT beloved, dear children— I wax faint— 
This day hath ravelled out my tangled life. 

Agatha. Father, will you not sleep? 

Emperor. Daughter, I am passing 

To sleep eternal. Summon the Father Abbot 
To speed a sinner from this world of trouble. 

Empress. Dear lord and father, life is not for us 
When thou hast left us. 

Emperor. [PVondering in mind.] Nay, I leave our son, 
Strong, beauitful Romanus — Would he were here, 
So he might take to heart my dying charge, 
When he is Caesar, called to rule in Rome — 
Comfort his widowed mother — cherish his sisters. 

Empress. Ah ! but will she, the Greek, the insatiate one 
Who rules the Prince, comfort or cherish us. 
When he rules Rome ? She bends the strongest men. 
Us women she will break — 

Emperor. [In broken words, wandering in mind.] 
Farewell ! dear wife ! — dear daughters trust in Christ. 
Mother of Godl — watch o'er these tender ones! — 
Romanus ! — son ! — I charge thee — guard thy mother — 
These thy sweet sisters! — let not that woman come 
'Twixt thee and them !— Pity !— Mercy !— Mary !— 
Save them — save me — Forgive a sinner — Christ ! 

[Emperor dies. The physician gives the signal that 
all is over. Empress and Princesses kneel sob- 
bing. 

Agatha. Our mother faints — Help ! there ! she breathes again. 
Now lift her to this litter — bear her back 
To her own couch within the Purple — 



[As the Empress is being borne out, Theophano en- 
ters with her chamberlains and eunuchs. She 
bars the way. 

Theo. Hold ! 

Hold ! I command. Move not a step this way ! 
I am the Empress here ! No widow shares 
With me the Imperial couch i' the Purple Hall. 
Rome has one Basileus, my lord — Romanus, 
One Basilissa — her name Theophano. 
The Constantine deceased will sleep in peace 
With all dead Emperors. Bear his body hence, 
Prepare it for entombment. The departed 
Give no commands. Obey your living Lord, 
Or ye are like to be numbered with the dead ! 

[The attendants do homage and bear away the dead 
Emperor. 
As to the widow here — who seems more fit 
To follow her departed spouse, prepare 
Such lodging- as the Imperial relict keeps 
Until she passes to the blessed Cloister 
There to pray out her widowhood. — 

Agatha. Q God ! 

Dost hear this outrage ! Virgin Mother, hear 
How savagely a woman can treat women ! — 
How daughter can stab mother! — how the wife 
Of that mother's son can teach him matricide ! 

Theo. Child ! cease this raving. You are but a slender girl 
To play the tragedy-queen. 

Agatha. Why ! who art thou 

To mock an Emperor's child, the Empress Mother, 
Mock us — the Purple-born — whose home from birth 
Hath been our father's Palace, whilst thy home 
Was the tavern over sea — 

Theo. Rail on, this Palace 

By right divine is ours. And we, its lords. 
Endure no traitors here — no scolds ! — Enough ! 
At dawn you take the veil' — you and the widow ! — 
Tonight withdraw — and pray the Mother of God 
To chasten your proud heart — and cleanse your tongue. 
Who durst appeal to Christ ! Hear us, Mary ! 
Soften our brother's ihieart. Ah ! see ! — he comes ! 

[RoMANUS rushes in in hunting-garb, travel-stained, 
in haste end confusion. 

Romanus. Too late! — too late! — Oh! I have hastened hack 
To find my father borne forth to his tomb. 

Theo. To find thyself a king! 

Put on the King thou art ! Put off the Prince. 

[Dowager Empress revives. 

Empress. [Turning to Romanus.] My son, fulfil thy father's 
dying charge! 
Succour thy mother in her sorrow, guard, 



Cherish thy sisters — Drive them not from hence — 
Leave us to mourn where we were born and bred. 

Agatha. Brother, canst thou in thy first hour of reign 
Consign thy mother to a Hving tomb? — 
Devote thy sisters to a cloister — us 
Who played with thee in infancy ? — who oft 
Covered thy misdeeds — soothed our father's wrath? 
Wilt doom us to the solitary life, 
Filling this house with tears — so thy new reign 
Shall seethe with indignation? 

Romanus. No ! Beloved 

Mother and Sisters, No! This must not be! 
Fear nothing — Leave us now — All this concerns 
Our Council and the State, — high policy — 
[Hesitating.] Perchance the Church of Christ — Trust me— ~ 

We must 
Consult our Council and these holy men. 

Theo. Take counsel rather with thy loving wife ! 
Romanus. O wife adored! 

Could I deny thee aught in this first hour 
Of our imperial reign ? What were this throne 
Without thee ? Spare me yet a mother's doom — 
A sister's agony — a dead father's curse! 
Spare me this, dearest — 

Theo. Choose 'twixt them and me! 

Fill thy great office — or see me no more ! 
Consign them to the cloister, as is wont, 
The ancient law of Rome — If not — I go 
Hence to end life the Bride of Christ — no bride 
Of a craven Caesar! This palace cannot brook 
Two empresses — rival imperial thrones. 
Dow. Empress. Son ! — 
Agatha. Brother ! 

Theo. Husband ! father ! Lord of Rome 

Choose — or farewell — be this our last embrace ! 

[Theophano embraces Romanus and clings to him. 
Mother and Daughters shriek. 
Enter the Abbot of the Stoudion with acolytes. 
Abbot. Hail, Basileus. Long years ! and glorious reign 
Be thine ! — The Triune God establish thee ! 
Exalt thy dynasty — confound its foes ! 
Most godly scion of thy pious line. 
Canst thou inaugurate thy auspicious rule 
With sacrilege that works its curse on kings ? 
These royal ladies — brides of Christ elect 
Are consecrated to the celibate life — 
I claim them for our Lord! 

Theo. Now Church and State 

Join voice with loving wife ! Put off the Prince — 
The gay, soft Prince, who gave so much for love — 
Who loved so many — but hath loved me best — 



Put ofif the darling — be the stalwart King ! 

[RoMANUs yields — he signals to the attendants, wha 
seise the Princesses. Theophano stands erect, 
radiant, and triumphant. 



Curtain. 



ACT. 11. 

Scene / : A small and plain apartment in the Palace, used as a 
prison for the Princesses, about to he forced to take the 
veiL Princesses Agatha and Zoe, both in conventual 
robes, and in great dejection. 



Zoe. 

DEAREST sister, be persuaded by us. Our Mother, and 
Anna and Theodora, have yielded to the Imperial order, and 
already have a less cruel life. Follow our example and submit 
to be consecrated the bride of Christ ! 

Agatha. Never ! I will die sooner than yield. 

[Zoe in tears withdrazvs. An Attendant announces 
a Priest instructed by the Abbot to hear the con- 
fession of the Lady Agatha. 
Attendant. The father confessor attends. 
Agatha. I have summoned no confessor. I have no confes- 
sion to make. 



Enter Basil Digenes, disguised as a priest — concealed in his 

cowl. 

Basil. My daughter, I have come to prepare you for the 
ceremony of to-morrow. None may hear your confession, nor 
my absolution. 

Agatha. None hears us, we are alone. I make no confession. 
Nothing- shall force me to utter a false vow. I shall not pro- 
fane the Holy Name ! 

Basil. Royal lady, have you then made a vow that you will 
never be a bride — neither in heaven — nor on earth? 

Agatha. Father, what are my earthly vows to the Church — 
or to thee ? 'This enough for a priest to know that I make no 
false vow to God. 

Basil. [Thawing oif the cowl.] Royal lady, thy vows» tliy 
thoughts, thy feelings are all in all to me. I am here risking 
life and limb in this disguise to save you — to help you — to res- 
cue you ! 

Agatha. Ah ! I fear, to destroy us both ! 

Basil. Trust me — This very night I will contrive your escape 
from this prison. I have sure friends round you here. They 
will help you to descend from this window into my boat be- 
low, where I will have stout rowers who will carry you by 



dawn to the castle of my sister, the Lady Comnena, in the- 
Prince's Islands, whence even the Basilissa will not dare to 
seize you. Can you trust me — Agatha? 

Agatha. Noble Prince — I trust you — but you dare too much t 
Yet stay! another hope rises in my mind. The illustrious 
Marshal of the East, your brother in arms and your beloved 
Chief, is as generous as he is brave, as just as he is stern. Ask 
him to bend the purpose of my brother, the Basileus. Romanus 
is kind, but weak — seduced by his wife. Nicephorus might even 
touch the brain of this obdurate Empress. She is not weak, 
nor generous, nor kind. But she is politic, deep-thinking, am- 
bitious. Aspiring as she is, she has a woman's tact, insight, 
instinct. She will shrink from rebuffing the greatest hero of 
our race — the hope of Rome — the beloved of Rome's last army. 
Let the Marshal appeal to the Basileus. 

Basil. Spoken like the daughter of a Caesar ! I will away 
to the Chief! He has the soul of a saint, the zeal of a martyr 
to see right done to all who suffer and are oppressed. 

Agatha. Go! Basil, urge our instant peril on the Chief. To- 
gether, you and he may save me. Alone you could only sacri- 
fice yourself. I am too grateful to say more — as yet. Re- 
member ! — I shall never be the bride — of Christ ! 

[Basil falls at her feet and kisses her hand.. 



Curtain. 



Scene II : A Hall of audience in the Palace. Theophano, as 
Empress in imperial robes, seated on a throne. Lords and 
ladies in attendance. 

Theophano. [To the Secretary.^ 

THE Marshal of the East, Nicephorus, 

Seeks audience of his Majesty to crave 

The imperial blessing ere he marches forth 

To meet the Infidel. My Lord still tarries 

Away in Asia at the chase. Ourselves 

Will bless the Chief. Perchance a woman's smile, 

[To the ladies.] The light of his Queen's eyes, the inspiring 

sound 
Of an Empress's voice, may quicken a hero's soul. 
Give him miraculous force, as well as could 
An Emperor's own divinity in person. 
Admit this War-god! 

[Nicephorus is introduced by a Chamberlain. He- 
bows in homage, then rises and stands apart re- 
spectfully and in silence. 

Most illustrious Marshal, 



The Basileus still chases his wild boars. 
The Basilissa then must hear thy suit, 
Vouchsafe the imperial blessing, wish God speed 
To all thy host, and glorious triumph home. 

Niceph. I humbly thank your Grace for this and all 
Your princely welcome. Know, I come to seek 
A favour from my Liege — 

Theo. Speak! noble Chief! 

A Phocas can ask naUght that Basileus 
Of Rome could e'er deny. Mayhap a favour 
Granted by a Basilissa — might be felt 
A sweeter boon ! 

[A pause. Nicephorus still stands silent. 
Ah ! then the favour sought 
Is not for the public ear ? All wall withdraw ! 

[Attendants with obeisances leave Empress and Mar- 
shal alone. 
Niceph. Madam, I make bold to trust your Grace will turn 
A pitying eye on those bereaved ladies 
Of your Imperial house, whom Church and State 
Join to consign to solitary life. 
Forcing their will, and plunging into gloom. 
All they have known of joy in their father's home. 
Madam, these royal ladies are too pious. 
Too loyal, and too loving to their brother 
To plot with traitors : — 

Theo. Ah, you dare not add-— 

Too loving to their brother's wife and child ! 
Let your Princesses take the veil in peace. 
Be reconciled with Heaven, as docile brides 
Of Christ, and they shall find us placable, 
Gracious and kind. 

Niceph. Might they not find at Court, 

Some fitting marriage? — some whom all can trust. 
Loyal and faithful? 

Theo. [Mockingly.] Ah! the secret's out! 
You come to plead your gay lieutenant's suit, 
To help this gallant to a royal bride ! 
Have we not seen their blushes — and their sighs? — 

[Nicephorus starts back indignantly. Theophano 
mocks him. Nicephorus proudly turns away m 
disdain and is about to leave the presence with- 
out reply or obeisance. Theophano rushes from 
her throne — passes rapidly to Nicephorus, seises 
his hand and looks into his eyes with blandish- 
ment. 
Prince, thou hast vanquished us. To such a chief 
At such a time nothing shall be refused. 

Niceph. [In profound reverence.] Madam, our humble 

thanks. 
Theo. Prince, you can plead so well a lover's suit 



Methinks it strange you never should have urged 
Suit of your own. What? Never felt the thrill 
Of woman's hand — a soft, white, tender hand — 
Within this terribly brawny paw I dread 
To hold in courtesy? What? never felt 
The perfume wafted from a woman's breath 
Fanning your rugged cheeks? Has woman's eye 
Ne'er pierced the iron mail that guards this breast 
As 'twere the Archangel Michael keeping watch 
And ward against the rebel host of Satan? 
All adamant without, all ice within? 
Is there no man beneath thy warrier corslet? 

Niceph. {Haughtily.] Madam, my place is in the field ; 'tis 
there 
The true man can be found — not here in court ! 
I am the loyalest soldier of this realm — 
The loyal servant of my lord — your lord — 
I go to meet the foes of Rome in arms. 
Nor care to ape the Palace courtesies 
Your minions love to air in the sunshine 
Of your Imperial beauty. Tempt me not to stay 
One hour here. I am not of the clay 
That fashions out these minions. Fare thee well ! 

[NiCEPHORus, ivith a hauQ^hfy obeisance, withdraws 
— pride struggling with emotion, 

Theo. And I — created to bear heroes, born to form 
A hero, rule a realm, to lead a host, 
To love a man — am mated with a fribble, 
A puny gamester — doomed to Vv^ear the robes 
Of tedious ceremony — to endure the round 
Of infinite prostrations — hear the drone 
Of infinite doxologies ! 'Tis a Hell, 
Worse than the cloister of these sexless priests ! 



Curtain. 



Scene III: A small, plain apartment in the Palace, as in Scene 
I, Act II. Agatha and Zoe as before. 



Zoe. 

WHAT, still unbending, sister? Do you not dread to face 
this imperious woman, before wliom the most powerful servants 
of our father quailed? 

Agatha. Sweet sister, I should dread still more to face our 



Lord and Master, if I had uttered at his holy altdr a vow that t 
would never mean in my heart to keep. 

Attendant. The Lord Warden craves instant audience. 



Enter Basil Digenes in haste and great elation. He bows and 
kisses the Princesses' hands. 

Basil. Toy ! Good News ! We have won ! Princesses, you are 
saved ! The edict is withdrawn — at least, it is postponed. The 
secretaries have the order in command. 

Agatha. \^ Plow? By whose means? Did the Marshal carry 

Zoe. \ it? Our brother was it? Or was it — she? 

B>asil. The noble Marshal, v/ho was never yet known to bend 
his pride to ask a favour, vowed that he would lose not an hour 
to sue at the foot of the throne, like any fawning courtier of 
them all. I have never seen him so stirred, even in the stress 
of battle. 

Agatha. Was he received by the Basileus? 

Basil. No ! by the Empress. What passed no one knows. She 
ordered her people away. They were alone. A long and heated 
audience followed, they say. 

Zoe. I go to tell my Mother and Theodora the good news. 

[Exit Zoe. 

Agatha. What does the Marshal tell you passed? 

Basil. The Marshal is at all times, you know, as silent, as 
close, as reserved as the dungeon below this tower. But to-day 
he vv'as more dumb, and stern, and mysterious than ever yet. 
He seemed to me savage rather than joyful in his success. He 
bade me ask no more. 

Agatha. Ah ! The Basilissa made him pay dearly for his 
tri'dmph ! Pier words cut like knives. And her mockery ever 
sounds to me like the derision of a demon who has won a soul. 

Basil. But angry as he Vv-as, the Marshal saw it done. He 
carried the order straight to the Great Chamberlain and saw it 
sealed v/ith the vermilion seal, 

Agatha. Thanks, noble Basil, how can I show you all I feel? 

Basil. Agatha, I love you — I shall love you while I live. I 
shall die \vith your name on my lips. 

Agatha. Basil, you have saved me — you shall not come back 
to find me the bride of Christ. I love no one but you — I will 
be the bride of no one if not yours. 

Basil. Yet, promise that you will love me, Agatha ! 

Agatha. Basil, I have never loved any man — but you alone — 
for years — for years ! 



Curtain. 



Scene IV: The atrium of the great temple of Hagia Sophia. 
A Coronation procession passes across the stage in front 
and disappears at the back. As Romanus approaches, the 
officials boiv in profound reverence and the courtiers cry 
monotonously — "Long years to our Basileus/ Long live 
Romanus ever victorious!" Nicepiiorus takes no part in 
the procession. He stands moodily apart in the background, 
clad in his campaigning array and armour, soiled and 
worn, in marked contrast with the court robes of the of- 
ficials. He proudly salutes Romanus ivitJi formal cere- 
mony. The Empress passes, and he salutes her in the most 
reserved manner, keeping his eyes on the ground. The 
Empress beckons to him to approach, and the procession 
Jiolts. NiCEPHORUs falls at her feet, as she offers him her 
hand to kiss. She zvaives the suite aside — so that they two 
stand practically apart. 



Theophano. 

WHAT ! most tremendous chief ! ovir god of war ! 
Our Ares, our last bulwark 'gainst the Hagarene, 
Thou wilt not grace our Coronation feast 
E'en for a day? 

Niceph. No ! Feasts are not for me, 

Nor I for feasts. I am a man of war, 
A rude and blood-stained soldier. Now I pass 
To my last fight, but ere I go, I seek 
The hermit priest to shrive me — 

TJ^eo. No ! 

Thou shalt confess to me — for if thou camest 
Before the Mercy Seat with such an aspect 
Of hatred and defiance — one that frights 
The Moslem host — the very Saints would shrink 

At sight of thee. Couldst thou not feign some pleasure 
On this our day of days ? Thy Sovereign's voice. 
Our royal radiance, cannot wring one smile — 
One "Long Life !" from the noblest of our champions? 
Answer thy Queen's commands! Art dumb — or deaf? — 

Niceph. Madam, I am thy peitent, thy slave — 
I long to die for thee and thine ! — but wear 
Such gloom and fierce imaginings within. 
As would ill grace thy court — and shame thy beauty 
With my "Death's Head" you jest at withyour women. 

Theo. Obey thy Queen, Sir Death's Head, thy confessor, 
And absolute mistress ; for thy secret sins — 
Hide as you would — they are revealed to us. 
Hear — I give absolution — but enjoin 
For penance that you duly grace our Court 
And bear the torment — to behold us crowned. 
And kiss the hem of our Imperial robe ! 



[NiCEPHORUS bows to the ground, overcome by this 
address. He snatches blindly at the hem of the 
Imperial robe to raise it to his lips. Theophano 
pulls back the robe and thrusts her hand to his, 
bending down over him with smiles. Nicephorus 
remains prostrate and unmoved. Theophano 
slowly bids the procession reform and looks 
caressingly at Nicephorus. 



Scene V : Interior of a church. A dark and remote side chapel 
with altar. Dim lamps burn. Nicephorus prostrate before 
an ikon. 

Enter the hermit, Athanasius. 

Athanasius. 

MARSHAL, since thou hast summoned me, I come 
To commune with thee, and I trust to bless 
Thy going forth, with a new-purged soul. 

Nice ph. Father, in Heaven none are counted high. 
And I, a man of blood, stained as I am 
•In carnage, have no part in courtly revels. 
Shrive me before I pass from sight of men. 
I have no stomach for these trivial shows. 
I neither fear, nor hope to die in battle. 
But I have vowed a vow to the Mother of God 
That should I come alive through this campaign, 
Chasing the brood of Hagar to their lair, 
I take me to a hermit's cell, in peace, 
In prayer, in solitary thought to pass 
The bitter dregs of this unhallowed life. 

Athan. Priest thou shalt never be! Thou art bewitched! 
That woman hath seduced thee to thy Sin ? 
Hide not thy guilt from God ! 

Niceph. Father, I vow. 

Touching this holy Ikon, I am pure 
Of sin with woman, pure as thou thyself, 
More pure than some who vaunt the virgin life. 

Athan. Man, thou has sinned in thought, if not in deed„ 
Thy thoughts lie clear to Heaven, and thy soul 
Is heavy with the conscious thought of lust 
Rather than deeds of blood. Proud man, beware ! 

Niceph. The Queen enthrals me ! — with alternate moods 
Of scorn — and love — 1 burn to encounter both. 
Father, whilst I bear office in this Court 
And serve the Crown, 1 am her slave, her plaything, 
The creature of her aims. Death or the tonsure 
Alone can save me from some shameful fate. 



Athan. Off to thy camp ! Leave her to find a gallant 
More dsbonatr \ Forget— arid be forgotten !— 

Niceph. 'Tis ended — and I yield^to Holy Church — 
Prescribe riiy penance— I will bear my cross! — 

Athdn. Thy penance is to fight for Christ till death 
Restore thee to his sight ! Now in Christ's name 
Thou hast full absolution of thy guilt— 
Thou art committed to his holy keeping. 
Go forth in peace. May Mary prosper thee, 
Hallowing thy guilty spirit by her grace. 
Filling thy sword with power ! — 

Niceph. Father, I go 

Down to my ruin — to my shame — to death ! 



Curtain. 



ACT III. 

Scene I : Four years hpve passed. The Hall of Audience in the 
Golden Palace. Courtiers enter hurriedly in grefif excite- 
ment. Thf^ ^P'^ff^ *'^ groups ■vpith animation. 

first Courtier. 

COURIERS have come from the Far East ! 

2nd Courtier. The Beacon fire was flaming all last night! 

^rd Courtier. They say Syria is entirely won back to us! 

i^^ Courtier. They say the Empress herself is coming to read 
the dispatch to the senators. 

2nd Courtier. A hundred thousand Hagarenes are slain! 

^rd Courtier. Fifty thousand are prisoners ! 

1st Courtier. I haye seen the Chamberlain's Secretary: All 
tljeir cities are captured — enormous booty — trophies taken — 
sacred relics recovered ! 

2nd Courtier. What a glorious triumph it will be in the Hip- 
podrome ! 

i.y^ Courtier. I tell you the Marshal is the greatest general 
Rome has ever had since Belisarius I 

2nd Courtier, He has far surpassed Belisarius — for he has 
not fallen— he has not been disgraced. 

;^rd Courtier. Not yet fallen — eh ! my Lords — not yet ? 

2nd Courtier. And his Empress too — his Theodora — is fond 
of him ! 

3rd Courtier. Ah ! too fond — eh ! my Lords — too fond ? 

First CuAMBERLAiisf enters. 

Cham. Silence ! make room ! Her Majesty I 
Enter Theophano and suite — Senators. The Empress takes 
her seat on the throne. Senators form round. 

Theo. Magnates, Patricians, Senators of Rome ! 
I bring you glorious tidings from the East. 
Your Lord Romanus — busy still — with boards and cubs — 
Lingers abroad, and yields to me his office. 
The invincible Nicephorus, our Marshal 
With paramount powers — hay, our second self 
In the Eastern Empire — has won back for Ronle — 
Lost all those ages — our fair Asian lands — 
Slain myriads of Infidels, has stormed 
Their proudest forts, sent hom.e enormous booty — 
Prisoners in droves, whole caravans of beasts — 
Trophies of war; and, what will most delight 
Our people at the triumph iri the Hippodrome, 
-He sends, enshrined v/ithin a golden casket, 



The Baptist's Holy Tunic of camel's hair ! 

Aye ! But hear more ! — a thing indeed more precious 

Than a Holy Coat — even of camel's hair — 

The INIarshal, passing to the heart of Asia 

Has led a second army through Cilicia, 

And swooping down from Taurus, like an eagle 

lias fixed his talons deep in Syria. Thence 

His beak strikes at Aleppo — that proud rock 

Which shields the accursed Chamdas from our arms, 

The impregnable lair from which he boasts to shake 

Our Rome to its foundations. Nay, we trust 

Each hour may bring us couriers from the front 

To tell of supreme victory, announcing 

The downfall of the Saracen's last stronghold — 

His citadel dismantled — his Palace burned — 

His treasures seized — and those blaspheming Mosques 

And soaring Minarets cast down in dust, 

Never again to ring with Allah's name. 

[Without: cries of "Another Courier!" "Victorious 
Marshal"! 
Ah ! even now my soul foretells a triumph ! 

[A messenger in rough huntsman's garb, bloodstained, 
rushes in panting. He Uings himself speechless 
at the Empress's feet. 

Theo. Speak, slave! 

Messenger. I dare not ! 

Theo. I command you, speak ! 

Messenger. No ! — not in public ! — It concerns yourself, 
Madam, first and foremost. May I speak in private? 

Theo. That which concerns myself concerns them all. 
li there be ill news, I can bear to face it 
In sight of all. I am no weakling girl 
To hide my griefs in tears. Speak out thy news ! 

Messenger. O dreadful day ! 'Tis not from the Marshal 
I come — but from Basileus. 

Theo. [Interrupting.] Vile slave! 

Why hast thou sought to scare us? 

Messenger. Terrible 

Is the news I bring. A wild boar in the chase 
Hath gored his Majesty — who bleeds to death — 
And lies unconscious, speechless, in his barge 
At the Water-Gate. They charged me tell you, Madam, 
He hath not an hour of life ! — 

Theo. Friends, be not too much moved! Perchance the 
huntsmen 
Who serve the King are frightened without cause. 
Ourselves will tend my Lord. Meantime rejoice 
With the great news from Asia — the triumph 
Of our invincible Nicephorus — 
Whom God hath raised up as a new Saint George I 

Curtain. 



Scene II : A Council Chamber in the Palace — The Lord High 
Chamberlain, Brings, presides at Council. Bringas, tlie 
Patriarch, Councillors, Attendants, etc. 



Bringas. 

MY Lords, seeing that we have duly performed the obsequies 
of our late Sovereign, Romanus, our August Autocrat, now we 
trust, with God, we have to inaurgate the throne of his infant 
son — and secure (I may add) our own authority. As Lord 
High Chamberalin, I have called this Council to take the need- 
ful measures. 

Patriarch. But the ex-Empress, Theophano, claims to be Re- 
gent by her husband's Testament. 

Bringas. For that very reason, we must strike first, My Lord 
Sisinnios. We must be bold, artful, and ambitious, too, if we 
are to keep our own heads. In politics. Holy Father, the first 
word is — courage : the second is — swiftness : the third is — 
thoroughness. 

Patriarch. And do not forget to add the cause of God's 
Church, Lord Chamberlain. 

Bringas. Quite so, Holy Father! Throne, Church, and Peo- 
ple, all are now in danger. They are menaced by the crimnial 
ambition of the Marshal of the East, who has so shamefully be- 
trayed the confidence of our late Sovereign. This upstart sol- 
dier — intoxicated, apparently, by the favour of his Master — 
and I fear we must say — the imprudent blandishments of the 
ex-Empress — has seduced the giddy populace to welcome him 
as their idol. My lords, I propose that we send a peremptory 
order, sealed with the vermilion seal of the Empire, forbidding 
the Marshal from passing West of Cappadocia, under pain of 
attainder and death. 

Councillors. Agreed ! Agreed ! 

Patriarch. But I doubt not the people will rise in insurrec- 
tion. 

Bringas. Let them try, Holy Father ! We have in the city 
and camp ten regiments of Macedonian guards and ten regi- 
ments of Thracians, who are never so happy as when they 
have to take charge of a mob of citizens. And our Palace 
Varangians obey orders from us, and hold no communication 
with the people, whose very speech they do not know. A few 
hours of blood-letting : — and, perhaps, the pillage of the houses 
of poular leaders — ha ! ha ! — will cool any ardour of the citizens 
to meddle with affairs of State. 

[Shouts without — "Long live Nicephorus, ever Vic- 
torious! — Long live Nicephorus, our Basi- 
leus .'" 
Bringas. My Lords, you hear the insolence of the mob! I 
will have the streets cleared by our trusty Thracians! A little 
blood-letting will cure this folly ! 



^titev NjCEPHORus in full armour and campaigning costume.. 
CpuNciLpRs start up together in dismay round 
Bringas. 

Niceph. My Lords ! I come to claim release from prison 
Of my dear father, and my brother Leo — 
W^hom you have foully seized — 

Bringas. Traitor! Rebel! 

Conspirator !— stand back !— Summon the guard ! 
Hp j Guards there ! 

[A body of Varangian Guards rush in. 
Seize that man ! Cast him in irons ! 
[NiCEPHORus stands defiant and smiling. He con- 
fronts the gtiards, who hesitate to seise the fa- 
mous general. 
Nicephorus. I am no traitor, Eunuch. No! nor rebel. 
pzingas. Guards ! seize the Rebel ! 

[The V^arangians advance and almost surround Nice- 
phorus. 
[To the Captain.] Here is your warrant. Have his eyes torn 
out! 

Enter Theophano with a strong guard. She is deadly pale and 
feeble, has just risen from childbed. She is in widow's 
mourning, but sumptuous and graceful. The Council 
shrink. The Guards stand back. 

Theo. Hold ! I command ye ! Let not a man stir ! 
Who lays hand on the Marshal dies this day. 
I am the Regent — named in this Testament 
Of the late Basileus. In my son's name, 
I rule here. Listen to our sovereign will. 
Nicephorus Phocas is the iloblest chief 
Rome ever knew. He has saved the land of Christ. 
We have named the Marshal — President of Council. 

Bringas. Madam, by what authority? What warrant Creates 
you Regent ? 

Theo: The last Testament 
Of our late Basileus — v\^rit with his hand — 
Sealed with his seal, as here I testify. 

Patriarch. In Gods name. Madam, No! All must acknowl- 
edge 

His Majesty's own hand in holograph. 
We dare not break an Act thus sanctified. 
The Church accepts your Regency. And we 
Your servants offer homage to your Grace ! 

[Patriarch and' some Cou^fCILLORS do homage to 
the Regent. Bringas and the rest abruptly with- 
draw in anger. 

Theo. Tjie Council is dismissed! The Marshal stays 
In ^udience here— to dp his wonted homage. 

A'iceph. My Queen, my Saviour, my gpod ^ngel, vi^ho 



Hast plucked me from destruction as a brand 
From the burning — but for you these eyes which glovv 
With grateful reverence, had been torn from out 
Their sockets — and these limbs I bow in homage 
\ypuld rest in some foul jail. To thee I owe 
Bqdy and soul— my freedom, hope, and life ! 

Theo. [Very faint and feeble] Thou owest me life, and I 
have risked my own 
In saving thine. Hope on— for ever higher ! 
"Vyhat are thy hopes? Henceforth we two must rule 
This realm of Rome together — side by side — 
We two are one — 

-, Curtain. 



Scene HI : A plain ehamber with large ikon of the Madonna — 
a small oratory with faldstool at side. NipEPiiORUs' in peni- 
tential garb — dejected — and faint with fasting. 

Nicephorus. 

WOULD all were ended — and my storm-tossed spiil 
Had found its haven ! How the thunder-clouds 
Roll round me, prophesying anarchy, 
Blind passion, and dishonourable death — . 

Enter Basil Digenes in great excitement. 

Basil. Marshal ! — the city is breaking out into insurrection ! 
Armed bands are parading the streets shouting 
"Death to the Eunuch!" — "Nicephorus our Basileus!" 

Niceph. The Palace Guard will restore order^and his 
Eminence ! 

Basil. There wall be a bloody fight ! Nothing can avert civil 
war, unles you take the Crowri they offer you. 

Niceph. Tell them I am now a hermit— retire^ from the 
world tp my cell in the mountain. 

Enter in great excitement Generals John Zimisces and 

BOURTZES. 

Zim. Marshal ! The army is breaking out into mutiny ! They 
^re calling out for the "Marshal of the East" J 

Niceph.' There is no Marshal of the East. He who once 
was the Marshal is about to be buried in the cell of the hermit — 
Vmown as Father Zadhariah ! 

Zim. Then he will soon be buried in his grave. Or it may 
be, flung into the sea— 'like a dead dog. 

Both. Marshal, do you reject our offer of the crowri? 



Niceph. The Hermit Zachariah seeks no crown — ^but the 
crown of glory amongsit the saints above. 

Zim. Then the Saints will have to give him a new head to 
wear it — for he will soon have none on his own shoulders. 

Bonrtses. [To Zimisces.] General! let us go back. It is 
perilous to leave our men at the boiling point. We can do no 
more with this candidaite for holy martyrdom. 
[Exeunt Zimisces a7id Bourtzes. 

Basil. Marshal ! Can nothing move you ? 

[NiCEPHORUs silently signiiies refusal. Exit Basil. 

Enter Theophano together zvith the Patriarch. 
The,o. [Spoken hurriedly.] Nicephorus, itlhou hast not an 
hour to live 

If thou stay here. The Council even now 

Sign thy death-warrant : I saw the palace guard 

March out to seize thee ! 

Niceph. Whither could I go? 

Am I a runaway slave? 

Thieo. The Holy Father — 

Whom I have summoned — comes to offer ithee 
Inviolate sanctuary. 

Patriarch. To end this strife 

And save the State, we take thee to God's altar 
And baulk your murderous foes. But ithou must yield 
To the summons of the Regent and the Senate, 
And be proclaimed and crowned our Basileus. 

[Exit Patriarch, 

Niceph. Life is not worth this price. So let it end ! 

Theo. And am I naught to you ? — my lonely throne — 
My life — my honour, nothing? — Could you bear 
To see me ruined in this distracted Empire^ — 
Dragged off a captive by the Infidel, 
Amidst the wreck of Christendom, immured 
In the harem of lascivious Hagarenes ? 
Wh'lst you whine litanies to win you heaven, 
And I am left — corrupted body and soul ? 
Say — do you sdorn me? 

Niceph. Scorn you ! No ! I swear 

I am your servant, bondsman, slave — and victim — 
Loyal in life and death — 

Theo. Then — be the lover! 

I offer thee my hand — my t'l'iTone — my child. 
Take us — and know I never loved — but thee ! 

[Loud shouts zvithout, "Nicephorus our Basileus." 
Tumultuous noises. 

Enter Basil Digenes, Generals Zimisces, Bourtzes, Offi- 
cers, Senators. Basil raises Nicephorus where he lies 
prostrate, at the foot of the ikon and leads him forward. 



Zim. Bringas is crushed ! Our men hold all the points 
Of the city. 

Boiirtzes. And the city follows us ! 

Digenes. Army and City have one voice today : 
"Nicephorus, deliver us from Tyrants !" 

All. Let him be crowned our Basileus forthwith ! 



Enter the Patriarch ivith his Chapter and Acolytes bearing 

emblems. 

Patriarch. I came to ofiFer sanctuary, Prince, 
Rut all Rome hails thee Bas'leus. One voice — 
Of Regent, Senate, Army, Holy Church — 
Unites to acclaim thee chosen Sovereign. 

Theo. {Triumphant. We follow too! — 
Now Basilissa Regent : by new rites 
Soon to be Basilissa regnant with our lord ! — 
Joint sovereigns and joint guardians of our son. 

Patriarch. Never as Consorts ! — Madam, Holy Church 
Forbids such union ! If thy widowhood 
Did not pronounce it uncanonical, 
There stands the bar of Church affinity. 

Niceph. Father, a Basileus "whom God has crowned" 
Has power to nullify unrighteous canons ! 
Canons concern you priests — they bind not kings! 

Patriarch. Beware thou tempt not God ! — Defy His law 
Despise His word — disown His priest — thou'lt find 
God's vengeance drag thee to a bloody tomb. 
Espouse this woman — ^and thy doom is sealed ! 

[NiCEPHORUS and Theophano start back in indigna- 
tion. The Patriarch and Acolytes withdraw. 

Niceph. I call my God to witness that no priest 
Shall stand 'twixt me and one I choose toi wed 
As lawful wife. The marriages of Kings 
Concern the State. They fling aside the ban 
Of tonsured clerks and monks. 'Twas ever thus. 
I yield me — knowing that I yieM to shame — 
To death — to ruin — to th' anathemas 
His Holiness rehearsed in pnophecy ! 
Lead on ! I come — the victim to his doom ! 

[A March. Procession forms to Coronation. Nice- 
phorus and Theophano hand in hand. 



Curtain. 



, ACT IV. 

Scene I : A chamber in the Imperial Palace. Nicephorus — 
now Emperor — at Council Table. Basil Digenes, chief 
ttf. his staff. NiGETAs, chief secretary. 



Nicephorus. 

Now that I sit on this ill-omened throne, 
I burn to break the devastat'ng march—. 
The ever-widening sweep of the False Phophet. 

Basil. The Caliph's power now staggers to its base, 

Niceph. There is ebb and flow in aL the tides of men. 
A day may come when Christendom shall reel 
Before this tiorrent — when, on hill- land dale, 
City and plain, the Cross may be engulfed. 
Rome shall restore Christ — or herself must end. 

Basil. Thy fathers', Sire, and thy viGtorious arms 
Have driven the Moselm back — 

Niceph. He is not crushied. 

Aleppo's poison snake is scotched — not slain. 
Our people swelter in luxurious ease, 
Unapt for arms, impa'tient of command, 
Athirst for contests in the Hippodrome. 

Games — pageants-splays- — strange beasts — ^^licentious shows 
Delight the mongrel race who crowd our towns. 
And now they stin't the gold our Fisc demands, 
Would starve brave men who b'eed in their behalf. 
At each new tax they sputter insurrection, 
And find the cowl less irksome than a spear! 

Basil. The new decrees have stirred much^ discontent! 

Niceph. Campaigns are won by gold as much as arms. 
Thrift, foirethought, watchfulness, win victory 
When heedless valour fails. They shall disgorge 
What now they waste in pompous spectacles. 
Or fling i' the maw of bloated monkeries. 

Basil. Fiou seize their xA.bbeys, Sire ? — 

Niceph. None shall be closed 

That serve God honestly — harbour no crime — 
Pamper no appetite. Our goodly lands 
Shall cease to fatten consecrated hogs. 
The dying shall not will estates to feed 
In perpetuity these useless drones. 
And muldt in death cur Treasurv of its dues. 
Our laws shall render Caesar what is Caesar's. 

Nicet. The Chancellor submits his new decrees 
Which hold the Church's "deadi hapd" in control. 

Niceph. Good ! But the war-cnest must be filled anew- 



A surtax of a tithe shall be imposed 

On goods and lands within the realm— 

Basil. Beware 

You fan not, S:re, 'the fires of discontetit 
Which smoulder in the people. 

Nice ph. ' Let them fiihie, 

Declaim, and menace ! 0ur Armenian guards 
Know bow to keep the peace. Is the Cross to fall 
Before the Koran, that these pampered slaves 
May bask on marble pavements in the sun. 
May flaunt their jewelled robes in pictured halls, 
Arid whet their craving for fantastic meats ? 

Scene II : An inner court of the Palace — open to sky. A gar- 
(ign — fountain — seats, efc, ornaments. Princess Agatha, 
Princess Zoe. Ladies in attendance at hack. 

Agatha. 

Zoe, sweet sister, sorne malignant Fate 
Pursues our House of Basil ! Father — brcither — 
Dead and forgotten — mother close immured 
In som^e cold convent prison— 'OiUr true friends 
Disgraced or banished! This ancestral home. 
Once famed for grace and learning, now the haunt 
Of dark conspirators, unholy loves ! 
The halls once lighted by onr mjother's virtues, 
Our father's wisdom, ruled by that fierce spirit 
Which loves all that we dread — 'bftes all we love! 
Zoe. Now that she f^ils with Pharsaic arts 

To force the veil on us, she bars our marriage. 
Making this sombre court our nunnery. 
And plots to leave us solitary maids. 

Agatha. Sister, methinks 'twere happier were you free 

From that gay fiery swordsman, whom brtt blood 

Tempts ever into crime and desperate throws. 

Zoe. The darling hero of the itrcops — Zimisces? — 

Next to the mighty Basileus in glory. 

Destined, men say, one d^y to reach the fchrone — 

To M^hom our Sire betrothed me — 

Agatha. Ah ! beware I 

What were a throne, dear s'ster, shared with one 

A'll pride and untamed passions, boundless thirst 

For fame, dominion, hazards, joy of hittle? 

Zoe. Would he were mine !— but all my hopes are blighted 

My chim rebuffed! By f^lse perfidious counsels 

She still impedes our wedlock. Now my eyes 

Have pierced her tortuous schemes. A haunting drea4 

Tortures mv brain. She wooes John for herself. 

Seducing him to sin — 
Agatha. O Virg'n Mother I 

Already false to one so fiercely sought ! 



Dark passions lurk in her Delilah smile ! 

Zoe. Smiles such .as lure my own betrothed — such smiles 
As fire a hero to stupendous crime ! 

Agatha. Sister, forget that furious mad-cap, born 
To love, betray, beguile, amaze — and slay. 

Zoe. I have learned to love his very sins — ^^and she 
Hath stolen him from me ! I will bear no more. 
This night I seek the Basileus to warn him 
Whence peril comes. My guards have seized the courier 
Who bore her treacherous missives to Zimisces. 

[Exit Zoe. 
[Agatha sits by the fountain. She puts to her ^i 
the enamelled rinsi she wears. 



Enter abruptly Basil Digenes. 

Basil. My Agatha, I come in grief — in joy! 
I have won the Basileus to grant my suit. 
The Basileus in council "hath betrothed 
This Princess of th' Imperial House to Basil, 
Warden of tbe Eastern March, his brother-in-arms !" 

Agatha. At last — at last, loved Basil, I am yours 
As 1 have ever been — as I shall be 
Whilst I draw breath, and in my day-dreams see 
Your image shine into my darkened life. 
And mingle in my prayers the name of Basil ! 
Day dawns — ^our night is past! But where is grief 
In all this flood of joy? — 

Basil. The grief, sweet love. 

Is that we part this day, this hour. 

Agatha. [In amazement.] Farewell? — this day? — 
what cruel fate confounds 
Such joy, such Ihiappiness? 

Basil. My Lord's command — 

The cause of Rome — oi Christ — my warrior pride; 
I am ordered on a hgh and desperate service. 
And yearn to be enrolled in God's own book 
Of life with those who die to save the Cross. 

Agatha. What service? — what command? — why 
desperate ? — 

Basil. News comes the Moorish Saracens have burst 
From Afric to our Western Themes — have stormed 
Seven cities — dealing 'hiavoc far and wide. 
Whelming Trinacria in a sea of blood ! 
A vanguard sails tonight to rescue weak 
Beleaguered posts, if some be found al've. 
Ours but a single corps — ithey muster ten. 
'Tis mine to lead this glorious forlorn. 

[They embrace, and exchange rings^ 

Agatha. My love, my hope, my pride! 



Go, in Christ's name ! waste not a sob on me ! 

In all this agony I strive to rise 

To that heroic height wherein you dwell. 



Curtain. 



Scene III : A small, pldin ante-room in the Paldce, witHdut 
any royal ornaments — Night— lozv lights. 



Enter Theophano — disguised. She is covered zvith a full 
black cloak and concealed by a dee,p black veil. She is 
restless and anxious. Tivo Nubian eunuchs (mutes) wait 
in attendance. 

Theophano. [Reads a document which she hastily opens.] 
"The last courier sent from the Privy Chamber to the Gene;ral 
has been captured. The missive to Z — has been seised. The 
Princess's guard is believed to have^ waylaid the man." 

Is it a plot? Has Nicephorus laid a trap for me? If this come 
to his hands, I am lost! I am a woman ruined — degraded — 
dead ! God of my Spartan sires ! — 'help me to forestall my 
tyrant ! 

[She beckons to the Nubian mutes to approach. 
Have the boatmen brought round the astrologer, 
Aaron Ben Ammon, to the water gate? 

[The Nubians assent by signs. 
Let him be led in blindfolded. He must not know to what place 
— or to whom he comes. [Nubians bow. 

On the return voyage he wilil be drowned in the Bosp^horus. 

[The N^tbians sign as if zvanting the signal word. 
I shall say — "Sleep well! — Aaro^n!" — Bring in the learned 
Doctor ! 

[The Nubians exeunt and bring in Aaron Ben 
Ammon in long dark gabardine. He is disguised 
and his head covere,d zmth a black cloth. 
Loose the bandages ! 

[Nubians uncover the Astrologer, who advances. 
Most sapient Doctor and H'erophnnt ! Expound 'the horo- 
scopes and destinies of the two persons wihose nativities you 
were instructed to study. 

Aaron. Lady! These two Nativities are inextricably bound 
together in the Astral Book lof Fate. Each portends a career 
of splendour, glory, :and happiness. But in the end their stars 
meet in morta'l oppos'tion. 

Theo. This means, learned Dodtor? — 

Aaron. [Looking nervoiisly round at the mutes.] Lady! — 
one of these two great personages — is destined — to bring death 
— to the other ! 

Thefl. [Passionately.] Which is that one? 
Aaron. That one which strikes first and most boldly. 
Theo. [Eagerly.] Will that one live long after tliis bold' — 
stroke ? 

Aaron. The Stars bode a long — ^long — life ! 
Theo. And a happy life? 

[In her eagerness, she nozv throzus back her veil. 
Aaron recognize^ Theophano. 



Aaron. Most happy ! — glorious^— resplendenit ! 
Theo. H'ow w'll the dfeath you foresee be .accomplished? 
Aaron. Lady, here are two drugs — eac'hi worth a king's ran^ 
som. I ha:d them from my great Master, Mohamed Ben Jafar. 
The,o. What is their power ? 

Aaron. This one in the lead case reheves us of lan enemy. 
Theo. Its price? — 
Aaron. The rubies on your armlet. 

[She bares her arm, and hands him the bracelet, tak- 
ing the kfld packet. 
Theo. The other? — 

Aaron. This casket of silver is a love-philter. 
It will constrain the love of any man. 

Theo. Its price? 
• Aaron. The pearls round your neck! 

[She gives him her Jiecklace, and takes the, casket. 
Theo. [Suddenly.] Farewe'.l — Learned Doctor! 

[She signals to the eunuchs to cover Aaron with the 
black cloth and blindfold him. 
Aaron. [Bozvs, nervously.] Lady, Ashmodai, my Lord and 
Master, guards his faithful servant and defends his life at 
the cost of all who menace him ! 

[The Eitniichs look to Theophano for the precon- 
certed signal. 
Theo. [Pointing doimizvards significantly.] Sleep well! — 
Aaron ! 

[The Eunuchs slip a sicken halter unperceived round 
Aargn^s throat, and lefld him out. 



Curtain. 



Scene IV : The Privy Chamber of the EmperOr. N'ice- 
PHORus seated zv:th his Chief Secretary Nicetas, studying 
reports — dispatches — plans, etc. Night. 

Nicephorus. 
Hath Basil sped? — 

Nicct. At fall of day he sailed • 

Wiith fifty ships — 

Niceph. He needs twice fifty more. 

Were they equipped. 'Tis a service of s'cre peril ; 
But Rome shall ne'er abandon to the Moslem 
Ten Christian cities — five rich province?-^ 
To be wasted by the Hagarene — their sons 
Made circumcised slaves- — their virgins worse! 

Nicct. The P,''tri'>rchi craves audience. Sire, this night! 

Niceph. His Hol'ttess c^n bring sc^nt help in w^r. 

Nicet. The Senators stil 'Jiaunt the Council ha;!!. 



Niceph. Nobles and Priests must wait — wait our return. 
From war. When Rome and Christ have triumphed 
We will hear their plaints. This is no season now. 

[Exit NiCETAS. 

Niceph. What madness can goad men to seek a throne ? — 
Nobles and burghers riot, plot, or jest, 
WTilst ruin dogs the realm. And she — ^she whom 
I madly loved, but sought not — who sought me — 
Sought me to spurn me^ — siought me to betray — 
Lures me to ruin — to despair — to madness ! 



[Entef' Theophano. 

Theo. Victorious Basileu^! My Lord and master! 
I ask a favour — 

Niceph. Have not I granted all 

You ever asked — gold — jewels — palaces — 
Imjerial retinue? — Why are our days 
Happy no more ? Is it I that am 90^ changed ? 

Thep. Oh ! who has poisoned thus the guileless soul 
That once I trusted — that once trusited mine? — 
Darkened that loving heaven where you and I 
Drank melting rapture — chilled that passionate heart 
Which loved me onoe — which I — alas ! — love still — 
Shall never cease to love. 
Niceph. What is 't you ask? 

Theo. The new command for Michael of my court. 
Niceph. Basil, the Wiarden, has it. 
Theo. Our worst foe? — 

The young pretender? — ^tlhie Princess's lover? — 
Niceph. He sailed this night. 

Theo. Ah ! show me you love me still — grant yet one 
grace 
In token that I am not quite disowned. 
Name Marshal of the East, with chief command, 
Rome's noblest soldier, that victorious captain 
Who eats his heart in exiled indolence. 
Like some caged lion — 

Niecph. Madam — whom mean you? 

Theo. Whom can I mean but glorious John Zimisces ? 
Niceph. Ah ! — What is John to you — or you to John ? 
Theo. He is mv good friend — your friend— or would be 
if— 
If — he were trusted ! — 

Niceph. Can I trust him then? 

Theo. Why is he in arrest? — 

Niceph. Then why, by stealth. 

Do secret couriers pass from you to him — 
From him to you ? — 

Theo. [In confusion, violently.] Never! — 'Tis false 
■■ — He will deny it! — Ask him! — 



Yet stay — John wooes Hypatia — my dear friend — 

She begged me charge my courier with her answer — 

The message was Hypatia's — 

Niceph. [He slowly produces a document which he holds 
up in her sight.] No ! — 'tis signed. 
Loving Theophano! 

Theo. Has John confessed? — 

Can he be false ? — has he been tortured ? — Oh ! 
Have you slain John? — 

Niceph. John lives — is sound — and well. 

Theo. You mean to slay him? — 

John will have a fair trial 
By martial law. 

Theo. O God! — you mean his death? — 

You mean my shame — divorce — exile — nunhood? — 

Niceph. You shall have justice. 

Theo. My innocence shall be made clear ! — my wrongs 
Shall be avenged — though they suborn a host 
Of purjured witnesses and hired judges! 
Seek not to crush me — me who sought you out, 
Made a raw soldier Basileus of Rome ! 
You owe me all — you stand alone — forsaken! — 
A tyrant loathed — by the Church disowned ! — 
The people in revolt! — the troopers hail 
A nobler chief! — the wife so foully slandered 
Goes to seek vengeance ! — 

{E.vit Theophano, Hercely. 

Niceph. God forgive a sinner ! 

My punishment is more than I can bear. 



Curtain. 



ACT y. 

Scene I: A Privy Chamber in the Palace. Night. Theo- 
pi-iANO in negligee costume. Sisinnios/ Chief of the 
Senate. Theophylact, Lord High Chamberlain. A 
eunuch on guard at the door. 

Theophano. 

My Lords, how shall we circumvent the tyrant — 
Safeguard the royal House, and free the State? 

Sisinnios. Madam, the task is fenced around with perils. 
The veterans still adore their ancient Chief. 

Cham. The priests who love this "Slayer of the Moslem" 
Might rouse the mob to tear us limb from limb ! 

Theo. Do I risk less than you ? — Hear my design ! 
To gain the troops, we need a famous soldier- 
To gain the Church, we need a subtle Prelate — 
Archbishop — Abbott, with their monkish tribe. 

Sis. What Chief or Prelate can we look to engage? 

Theo. I have found both. The noble John Zimisces, 
The hero of the fierce Cicilian war, 
I have by stealth released. He is in Rome — 
Within this Palace — in my privy closet — 
There he awaits the summons to our Council. 

Sis. Hail, John Zimisces ! Rome's new Basileus ! 

Theo. Ah ! — but the fiery John is still enthralled 
Beneath the magic spell of his old chief. 
And seems too tender for a daring stroke. 
'Tis ours to teach him where true glory points. 

Sis. Will any Prelate consecrate Zimisces? 

Cham. Will men cry "Long life!" at his coronation? 

Theo. Both are assured. The Patriarch, in wrath 
Against the new laws as to Church endowments. 
Longs to instal some holier Basileus. 

Sis. Have we sure promise from his Holiness? 

Theo. His Holiness will be with us anon, 
.'Vnd vv'ith him comes his Emiinence, the Abbot. 

Enter Generals Zimisces and Bourtzes, who do obiesance 
to the Empress. 

Enter the Patriarch and the Abbot. They salute Theo- 
phano. She formaliy kneels to the 
Patriarch. 

Theo. Hail, Holy Father ! Valiant Chieftains, hail ! 
We are met to free this realm — this Church of Christ — 



From impious tyranny. 'His Holiness 

Will ask God's blessing to inspire our thoughts. 

Patriarch. His Holy Spirit abide upon you all ! 
Thao. Hear, Holy Father, the long roll of crinxes 
We charge against the usurping Basileus. 
Judge them as 'twere the Judgement Seat of Heaven! 

ZiM. Hear first my wrongs! I raised him to the throne, 
Making of my best friend my jealous foe. 
Whilst he was winning triumphs in the field, 
He kept me idly eating out niy heart 
Afar from war. When my brave fellows greet me, 
He calls it mutiny. When my gracious Sovereign 
Shows me some favour— 'tis adultery! 
On both false charges I am seized — unheard — 
Degraded — prisoned in a fortress — whence 
The goodness of the Queen 'has rescued me ! 

Abbot. He seeks to bar the faithful who in death 
Making their peace v/ith God, bequeath their lands 
To jious uses and monastic gifts. 
He starves our convents, persecutes .us ^monks. 

Patriarch. Nay, he who spurns the Canons of our Councils 
Demands the crown of Martyrdom, \with rites 
Reserved to saints who win the palm of glory 
For men who fall in battle with the Moslem — 
Men who dare face their Maker drenched in gore. 

Theo. Well spoken, Reverend Fathers, glorious Chiefs! 
My griefs cut deeper. 'I foresee my fate — 
My boy despoiled of his inheritance — 
Myself degraded as adulteress — 
This palace made half hermitage, half prison ; 
My husband wastes whole days within his tent, 
Long nights with scribes. I am but wife in name. 
As lief be wife to Simeon on his Pillar, 
Or some lank hermit of the desert. AH 
Must act like men to end this reign of Terror. 

All. Agreed! — Agreed! Whom call we to the throne ? 

Theo.. The , hero, John Zimisces, has the voice 
Of God and man — of Ai:my, Church and State ! 
[She gives Zimisces her hand. 

ZiM. li 'tis the general voice, I take commaad 
To rid you of this public enemy, 
On the ^conditiion thait no wrong be wrought 
Upon the person of my ancient Chief. 

Patriarch. Yea ! he shall pass his days in peace— a hermit. 
This safe-guarded — I consecrate Zimisces. 

[Exeunt the Patriarch and the Abbot, General 

BouRTZEs, Lords, Senators, and Chamberlain. 
[Zimisces throws himself at the fe^t .of Theqphano 
kissing her hand and rahe. 

Zim. Adorable Pfineess ! I Pwe you all ! 

Tkm. My John, Tm^ke you Basileus of -K^me, 



You make me — Basilissa dispossessed ! 

Zim. I give you all I have — wealth, honours, glory! — 
A. full heart — love unbounded and for ever ! — 

Tliep. Swear by the Blessed Mother of God Who hears us 
To wed me — 

Zim. By the Mother of God I swear! 

Theo. I go to do my part ! Remember, John ! — 
She hears — I am your true affianced bride ! 

Zim. Remember too yiour pledge ! Our ancient lord 
Bears still a sacred and inviolate life ! 

Theo. My trusty "lions," John, are no pelt lambs. 
I am no lamb — rather a lioness 
Who loves not lambs — but loves and mates with lions. 



Curtain. 



Scene II : The Chamber of the Emperor. 

Enter Nicephorus in state robes, and wrapped in an immense 
black mourner's cloak. His Secretary, Nicetas. 

Nicephorus. 

Release me from these sables which oppress 
My aching limbs more than th' imperial robes, 
And let me rest. See no man enters here ! 

Nicef. Sire ! this night bodes evils manifold ! 
The Moon's eclipse last night has scattered panic 
T'hiroughout the city. Treason s'talks abroad ! 

Niceph. Would they could banish me — back to my camp — 
Could rid me of the curse th^t dogs the throne. 

Nicet. Sire I — 'tis yourself they seek I 

Niceph. They seek my life? — 

Nicet. At least your liberty — 

Niceph. And who are they? 

Nicet. Lord Bourtzes and Zimisces ! 
Niceph. What ! my own 

Tried comrades? 

Nicet. Then the Patriarch — the Abbot — 

Niceph. They turn on me' — me who have saved Christ's 
Church ? 

Nicet. Seven Senatcirs and Chamberlains of rank 
Are privy to 't. Nay, they count to find 
Secret support within th' Imperial Palace! 

Niceph. What say'st thou — my own wife? — 
At morn this shall be probed. 
— Leave me tonight — 
Place chosen men to watch my chamber door — 

Nicet. This inner chamber, Sire, should this be searctied? 



Niceph. What, this ? — the Empress's privalbe chamber ? — No ! 
Am I some cuckold spy to watch my wife? — 
Is she, too, traitress? — Better die at once 
Than nurse suspicion in the marriage bed ! 

Exeunt Nicetas and attendants. Nicephorus Hings 
himself on couch. 
Niceph. My God ! my God ! 

Why am I thus forsaken and betrayed? — 

{He sinks on his knees before the ikon of the Virgin 
Mother. 
Speak to my soul, Mother imparadised ! 
Can it be mortal sin — to love a wife — 
Her who commanded me bO' save her child — 
Her life — her honour — and to save all these 
In lawful wedlock? — was it sin to love? — 
The most unworthy of thy servants, Lord ! 
Yields himself up to Justice — and to Mercy! — 
Thy will be done — Thy Kingdom come ! — Amen ! 

[Nicephorus rises from the ikon, flings off his tunic, 
and slozvly and zvearily drags himself to the alcove 
at hack and draws the curtain in front of him. 

Enter four guards, armed and masked. The soldiers wildly 
stab the bed in the dim light, and are surprised to find it 
empty. They turn in dismay to Theophano's chamber. 
A bare, ami behind the chamber door points to the alcove 
behind the curtam. The bravoes pass behind the curtain. 
[Voice of NiCEPPiORus, zvithin — gasping and broken. 

Niceph. Mother of God! — Mercy — Pardon — Christ! 

{The bravoes rush out zvith bloody swords and escape. 
Generals Zimisces and Bourtzes rush in, follozved by officers, 
guards, with torclies, and then Senators and Chamberlain. 
Bourtses. Bring forth the tyrant ! 
ZiM. Soldiers ! who does dishonour to our chief 
Shall die. We come to judge — and not to wound! 
Bourtzes. Where is the prisoner? 

Sis. Are we, too, betrayed? — 

ZiM. Who saw the Basileus? — 

Theophano enters, majestic, and triumphant. 
Theo. 'Twas I who saw him — 

And ye shall see him ! Look ! he sleeps in peace ! 

{She draws aside the curtain at back and displays the 
dead body of Nicephorus. 
ZiM. Horror ! — Foul crime ! — We are made murderers. 
Who led the assassins forth? — 

Theo. I led them forth ! — 

Placed them in ambush — bade them do the deed 
To its just end. It was my right, since I 
Suffered more wrongs and sharper far than all ! 

ZiM. {He falls down beside the body of Nicephorus, 



ttioii true he¥o^ geials !-— 

Bourtzes. A rtlighty chief!— •- 

Sis. We meant to iiaake' him mdrik !--- 

Cham. We said^-^not dea;th !— 

Tkeo. Re-ffiember, Jdhfi) thy oath. I aifi' thy bride. 

1 am no longer — wife! 

ZiM. [Rising in passion.'] Thou art a fiend 

Red-hot from Hell to slay tht noblest RomitrT 

Who led Rome's Warrior Host to victory ! 

Thou art a fiend to jugg'le with us thus, 

And cheat us into treachery and rnurder !' 

Curse on my folly to be so begfuiled! 

Oath? — say'st thou?---doth just Heaven record aiT (5zt\t 

Foully inveigled by a devil incarnate ? 

No ! take thy oath and feed on it within 

The deepest cell the rnonks can find— -until 

Thou tak'st it down to Hell. Guards, seize that WiDHian !' 

We sentence her to solitude — for life ! 

[TH'EdPHANO starts from the grasp of the guards, snatches 
the' dagger from John Zimisces' belt and wounds 
Him. He staggers back into the arms of Bourtzes. 
lite guards secure Tiieophano. 

Eater^ the Patriarch- with acolypes and choir. 

Patriarch. My sons, what is this horror? Is he slain ? 
Who did this deed of sin? 

ZiM. She — who stands there! 

Patriarch Who struck you down? — 

ZiM. She sought my death! 

Patriarch. Oh ! murder piled on murder — Awful sin, 
To slay her wedded spouse — the Lord's Annointed ! — 
Sin thus abominable cuts her of? 
From all communion in the Church of Christ : 
What life shall be spared her shall drag along 
Within some lonely cell remote from men. 
He whom she slaughtered shall be held in honour 
Whilst Rome endures and holds the faith of Christ. 
With all his faults he was a man of God 
Who saved the Church — drove the False Prophet back. 
He shall have consecrated burial 
In th' Apostles' Holy Church-: and he in peace 
Beside a glorious line of Basileis ! 



CurfiSin. 



LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 




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